The investigation was prompted by a tip that certain commuters were not paying transit fares on the North Jersey Coast Line, which runs from Bay Head north to Hoboken and New York Penn Station.

Swanger allegedly recruited passengers to ride the train without buying a ticket in exchange for paying Broschart a “significantly reduced” fare on a monthly or quarterly basis, authorities said.
Authorities did not give an amount of the payments to Broschart.

“New Jersey Transit employees who abuse their authority and criminally violate the public trust will be held accountable and charged for their illegal actions,” said Christopher Trucillo, New Jersey Transit Chief of Police in a statement.

He reminded passengers they should only buy NJ Transit fares from authorized vendors.

It is not known whether passengers who paid Broschart in exchange for the reduced fares face any charges.

Swanger was charged with theft and conspiracy and faces up to 10 years in prison.

Broschart, who was charged with Official Misconduct, Theft and Conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison, authorities said.

The men were being held last night in Monmouth County Jail, with Broschart's bail at $75,000 and Swanger's at $25,000..

The investigation into this matter is continuing. Anyone with knowledge of Broschart’s or Swanger’s activities or the illegal sale of NJ TRANSIT tickets is asked to contact Detective Sergeant John Maggs of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 431-7160 ext. 5839 or Detective Michael Bavosa of the NJ TRANSIT Police at (973) 491-8953.